'Truth spoken without moderation reverses itself'
This blog is a source for intellectual exploration. It includes a list of alternative resources and a source of free books. The placement of an article does not imply that I agree with it, merely that I found it thought-provoking. There are also poems and book reviews. Texts written by me are labelled. Readers are free to re-post anything they like.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar shot dead in Pune

Pune: Renowned anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was pushing for a law against superstition and black magic, was shot dead this morning in Pune in Maharashtra. Dr Dabholkar was on his morning walk when he was shot dead near the Omkareshwar Bridge in the city by gunmen on a motorcycle. The police said four shots were fired at him at close range, two of which hit him in the back of his head.

The killing sparked anger and grief in his hometown Satara, 100 km from Pune. Large crowds gathered at his home and some took out a protest march. Many locals also kept their shops shut. AnnouncingRs. 10 lakh for any information on the murder, the Maharashtra government called it a planned killing and slammed the police for failing to protect the senior activist. "The incident is a blot on the state police and the government," said Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Dr Dabholkar's murder comes days after the Maharashtra government assured that it would introduce the anti-superstition Bill - opposed by many rightwing groups as "anti-Hindu." "The investigation has been handed over to the Pune crime branch," said Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil. "It is serious and I appeal to the people to keep calm."